Bish Talks

Ian Bishop West ham United

Budding journalist Alex Metcalfe caught up with former West Ham and Manchester City midfielder Ian Bishop to find out about his experiences of the 92 league grounds over a 20 year career. Alex: What was the best atmosphere you ever played in? Ian: The old Wembley was up there – or the 1991 FA Cup semi-final at Villa Park, it wasn’t the stadium itself, it was the atmosphere created by those West ham fans that made it. Alex: The worst atmosphere? – a grim one on a Tuesday night. Ian: The Odsal when Bradford had to play there (following the… Read more »

Anfield fails to live up to the hype…

Hull / Liverpool half and half shirt

Blogger Rob Tuffnell makes his debut on the 92 blog reporting back on ticking the world renowned Anfield off his 92. Ground: 50/92 Game: Liverpool 0-0 Hull City Date: 25/10/2014 Thoughts on the ground: An iconic English ground, the Hillsborough Memorial and walk via those famous gates make the day special. Atmosphere wise there was absolutely nothing from the Liverpool fans, most of whom seemed to be tourists. Expected much more on that front. Inside the ground is pretty much what you’d expect from an older ground; slightly cramped, tight concourse, but ok view from behind the goal (that is… Read more »

Wimbledone! Kingsmeadow ticked off

Gates at Kingsmeadow AFC Wimbledon

Groundhopper Tim Dove heads to Kingsmeadow to tick off the home of AFC Wimbledon on his quest to join the 92 club. Ground: Kingsmeadow 85/92 Game: AFC Wimbledon 1-2 Cambridge United Date: 29/11/2014 Thoughts on the ground: Kingsmeadow is a small but tidy stadium that has a modern feel to it due to the investment in recent years since AFC Wimbledon took over the lease from Kingstonian FC, who still groundshare with the Dons. On one side is the Paul Strank Stand. This is a covered and all seated Main Stand which has recently been extended and runs the full-length… Read more »

Colchester hit for 6 at Stadium MK

Outside view of stadium mk milton keynes

Blogger pb1uk reviews the first game of a 2-in-1 weekend, a trip to Stadium MK for the visit of Colchester United. Ground: Stadium MK 47/92 Game: Milton Keynes Dons 6-0 Colchester United Date: 29/11/2014 I wasn’t too sure what to expect when visiting Stadium MK. I had heard mixed reports of the ground including a lot of negativity, but I went with clear head to form my own opinions. Needless to say it in was stark contrast to my previous visit to the town, seeing a game against Yeovil Town at the National Hockey Stadium. I was greatly impressed with… Read more »

AFC Wimbledon move closer to Plough Lane return

AFC Wimbledon's current home ground Kingsmeadow

With the planning application recently submitted AFC Wimbledon’s dream of returning to their spiritual routes edges that little bit closer to becoming a reality. We speak to Dons fan Joe Moger about the latest goings ons at the club. Groundsman: You have enjoyed a meteoric rise through the divisions – would a return to Plough Lane be the icing on the cake? Joe: It would certainly be the icing on the cake, but not quite the cherry on top. There’s been a long term dream of returning to Plough Lane and the Championship, both are still quite a long way… Read more »

Michael Pilcher reviews Swindon Town’s County Ground

Swindon Town's County ground before the visit of Bristol City

Blogger Michael Pilcher yet again continues to tick off grounds with another 2-in-1 weekend. The destination this time, a local derby between promotion chasers Bristol City and highflying Swindon Town at the County Ground. Ground: The County Ground 69/92 Game: Swindon Town 1-0 Bristol City Date: 15/11/2014 As with my most recent ground hops this visit very much fell into the ‘bribery’ category with Mrs P. A work colleague originally from Swindon was having a 30th birthday party that just so happened to be taking place at the County Ground, on the same day as 3rd-placed Swindon Town were playing… Read more »

Football fans to have their say on Safe Standing

Ipswich fans on the away terrace at Huish Park

The Welsh Conservatives have this week launched a public consultation on ‘safe standing’ as they seek to build a case for a limited pilot in Wales. They want to hear the views of football fans throughout the United Kingdom. The consultation follows the success of a Conservative led cross-party motion in the National Assembly in July, which saw the Assembly becoming the first UK legislature to formally back safe standing. It is also backed by the Football Supporters Federation and the Safestanding Roadshow. Leader of the Welsh Conservatives, Andrew RT Davies, said: “Supporters are often described as the lifeblood of… Read more »

Tim Dove ticks the Abbey Stadium off his 92

South stand and floodflight at the Abbey Stadium the home of Cambridge United

Blogger Tim Dove heads to the Abbey Stadium as he enters the final furlong of doing the 92 league grounds. Ground: The Abbey Stadium 83/92 Game: Cambridge United 1-0 Fleetwood Town Date: 08/11/2014 Thoughts on the ground: Having gained re-entry to the Football League and ‘the 92’ in May 2014 after a 9 year absence this first round FA Cup tie provided an opportunity to attend the Abbey Stadium, home to Cambridge United. Having allowed ample journey time to avoid Cambridge traffic congestion an early arrival allowed me to easily find nearby street parking within a two minute walk to… Read more »

A seven goal thriller in the FA Cup at Vale Park

The Railway stand at Vale Park the home of Port Vale

Blogger Peter Briers takes in the FA Cup first round tie between Port Vale and Milton Keynes Dons at Vale Park to reach the halfway point of his 92. Ground: Vale Park 46/92 Game: Port Vale 3-4 MK Dons Date: 08/11/2014 With the build up to the first round of the FA Cup greater than i have ever experienced i really felt i wanted to be part of it. I must say the BBC are making a terrific job of the FA Cup coverage thus far, giving the competition the exposure and prominence it fully deserves. Looking down the fixtures… Read more »

Michael Pilcher heads to Highbury with the Gills

The main stand at Fleetwood Towns Highbury ground

Blogger Michael Pilcher continues to set the standard for us fellow groundhoppers, with a second consecutive weekend combining family with ticking off a new ground. Read and learn, it really is textbook stuff… Ground: Highbury 68/92 Game: Fleetwood Town 1-0 Gillingham Date: 01/11/2014 When the fixtures were announced in the summer, I doubt many/any Gillingham fans were looking to see when “Fleetwood (A)” was. But as someone who had still to tick off Highbury and has family in Preston, 45 minutes away, this was the one I looked for first. The fixture computer was kind, scheduling it perfectly for half-term… Read more »